A CHOIR singing stalwart from Newquay has been initiated as a bard of Gorsedh Kernow.

Jim Christophers, who is the concert co-ordinator for Newquay Male Voice Choir, was recognised for 'the promotion of Kernow through music’ at a ceremony held in Priory Park in Bodmin on Saturday.

His bardic name is Kanor Keur Mawnan, Choir Singer of Mawnan.

Mr Christophers, who additionally sings with Oll an Gwella and the Newquay Rowing Club Singers, is also a member of the Board of the Cornwall International Male Choral Festival and secretary of the Newquay St Piran's Festival Planning Group with a special interest in working with local schools to promote the singing of Cornish songs.

He said: “I feel incredibly honoured to be recognised in this way. My background and interest lie within the Cornish male voice choir movement and I am aware that the honour brings with it some sense of responsibility for maintaining momentum in promoting male choral singing within the Duchy and beyond.

“I have to say, that in many ways, I think I am poised to pick up the baton left by Rob Spowart. What a person to try to follow.”

(Picture: Paul Williams)